bobparks2

My Feedback: (1)

Just a reminder.. CG position sets stability. You should not change the CG for trim. A half oz on a big plane like the R54 is not a big deal, but..

Bob

afterburner

My Feedback: (18)

I realize the plane can come in at a crawl but I'm wondering on those occasions where you might have to commit to putting it on the runway at a higher speed, is the Kavan brake effective enough on asphalt? I believe I read in Ma where Jim Hiller stated that the brake is not acceptable for hard runway operation. I never take one persons opinion as the gospel, so I'm trying to get some other opinions. Thanks.

Marty

tschuy

My Feedback: (1)

If one to stick by the rules, all that is required is as stated in AMA document #510a section 6:

http://www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/510-A.pdf

The Kavan brake is able to do that.

A bit liberal to say the least and I chose to exceed the requirements with my Compact-Omnibrake system. The extra authority with what the brakes provide is a welcome comfort for those not so precise moments. My next Reaction will have the Trim brake system and wheels.

Been off the scene for a while with work/career commitments but now getting back to the Reaction54 turbine action. Finally starting on my #2 :-).


Cheers,

BruceTharpe

My Feedback: (1)

Great to have you back in the mix, Tim! To save you time looking throught the .pdf file, the AMA regs require you to be able to come to a controlled stop on a hard surface with the turbine at idle. As Tim said, the Kavan brake will do that. Is it the best braking system available? No. Compared to a "Cadillac" BVM pnuematic system, the Kavan is a Volkswagon. To me, it is a perfect balance of economy versus effectiveness, and fits the spirit of the R54. Another big reason I like it is that it adds useful noseweight, which is something you need anyway.

If you always fly from a short asphault runway, maybe you should spring for the Cadillac, at least for peace of mind. If you typically fly from grass, or a 400+ ft. hard surface, the Kavan will be more than adequate.

Congrats to bnova! Love your color scheme A little background: bnova has been working on his R54 off and on for over a year. As you can see from the pic, he is a perfectionist and it shows. He got it done for FL Jets and it sounds like all went well with the maiden.

Thanks also to RCpete and my friend Bruce Hanson for making it down to FL with their R54s. I know it's hard to stand out on a flight line full of heavy metal, but my guess is that you guys made more of an impression than you may think.

afterburner

My Feedback: (18)

Thanks Tim and Bruce. Just wanted to know as the maiden will probably be on an auxillary full scale runway and after that it will be mostly short field/grass.

Marty

samo

Has anyone used a 2cell Lipo battery with a regulator for a receiver battery? I realize I need nose weight, but you can fly a long time on these little jewels. I was just wondering what the pros and cons are?? (FMA direct makes a cool regulator that regulates 2 to 4 cell Lipos.)

Molar mender

SAMO

There is a good thread at http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_38...tm.htm#3845825
which can give you the pros and cons of LiPo's in jets.

RH

rcguy!

My Feedback: (69)

You can fly a long time on heavy Nicads or NiMh without adding useless nose weight. I have 2700MAH NiMh packs for the RX (4 cell)and the ECU (6 cell). I have yet to change out the RX pack after a full day of flying. I swap out the ECU pack (JectCat P60) after about 6 or 7 flights. I just don't see the need for Lipos. Remember I have 11ozs of lead in the nose too!

Dave Rigotti

TommyWatson

My Feedback: (1)

Why?

I can't see any good reason to use Lipos.

They are more expensive, take longer to charge and are dangerous if not handled carefully.

When we start flying jets with really miniature turbines in really light airframes there may be a case, But not now.


Regards

samo

Thank you for the info!

hoppy99

My Feedback: (2)

Another of the first 48 took to the air today, at last. Simjet 1200, Robart gear, Trim main wheels and brakes, home made struts, Monokoted and came in at 19 lbs dry. Flys great and lands even better. Two beeps of left aileron and that was it. Outstanding design Bruce. On landing with full flaps, just pointed the nose down (I could see all the markings on the top until I flaired) touched down rolled out, a little brake and it was over. Now thats FUN. Here's a couple of pictures.

John

TommyWatson

My Feedback: (1)

G'Day John,

I really like your colours. I wish I could apply monokote as good as that.
We all having a too much fun with our Reactions.

Bruce, its all your fault!!!!.

Regards

tschuy

My Feedback: (1)

Nice work John.

I bet it felt good getting it up in the air...


Cheers,

BruceTharpe

My Feedback: (1)

That' great news, my friend, and that's a great-looking bird! Big, bold stripes like that are nice for visibility. Hope you enjoy many, many successful flights with your new baby.

Unless I'm totally spaced out (common condition), that's the first R54 to fly with a SimJet. Looks like you used the PST mounting bracket. Did that fit okay, or require modification?

causeitflies

HOPPY, is that an older Simjet or 18lber?
Mine will be ready by the time I get my Simjet.

hoppy99

My Feedback: (2)

Bruce, that's the PST mount and it fit perfectly and Mark it is the new 18 lb Simjet thanks to Vertical Hobbies. About 1/3 throttle for the flight including a little acro, but with full flaps on final went to about 1/2. Never went above 1/2 except on takeoff !

John

CARS II

My Feedback: (7)

Congratulations John, I'm sure you are very ( Hoppy now ) after all that work and time you put into it, wish you many more successful flights.

TommyWatson

My Feedback: (1)

John,

My favorite party trick with my Wren Supersport (18 lbs) Reaction, is to fly past at just above idle, then go to full throttle and while the engine is still accelerating (which does not take long) , go vertical as far as you can. Mine will go higher than I am comfortable with.
I still wont fly downhill at anything over 1/2 throttle. But straight and level it really moves along. My old one did 155 MPH this one is much faster.


Regards

afterburner

My Feedback: (18)

Congrats on the maiden John. Looks good.

Marty

hoppy99

My Feedback: (2)

Has anyone tried a second tank? Lots of room and the Facet 1200 has the 40 oz tank mounted all the way in the front. This a 24 oz Sullivan.

John

tschuy

My Feedback: (1)

Nice idea, but if you notice that your pretty much forward of the CG line so I would expect a pretty good change in your trim as the tank burns down. My guess is that it would be a little tough to get it to rotate during Take Off.

Cheers,

causeitflies

I had the same idea for another tank or a smoke tank. The CG shouldn't be too far off. I've flown planes with 24oz. and 32oz. smoke tanks at least that far ahead of the CG and didn't notice much difference in the trim. Of course... I don't fly flat and level too much

rcpete347

My Feedback: (251)

HI all, I bought the Reaction 54 for grass fields and to show people that have never seen a jet fly.Well finally I got to fly it at our home field last week and it sure drew a crowd.
Takeoff on the wet field was about a 150 ft and landing was 50 feet, you can bring the Reaction in to a snails crawl with full flaps and their was no tendency to stall. What a great trainer for some one starting out in jets.
Rcpete

rcguy!

My Feedback: (69)

Rcpete,
Great flying fun isn't it! I much prefer to fly from grass. Have Fun!

Dave Rigotti

samo

Nice looking bird Rcpete.

Has anyone else experienced frustration with the front wheel strut and Kavan brake? Mine seems to bend real easy and the wheel doesn't seem to roll smoothly (too much friction from that brake assembly). I'm planning my maiden in 2 weeks and I'm nervous about setting her down on this weak link?? Is there an upgraded strut/wheel and brake that is compatible with the stock front retract?
Your advice is appreciated-

Steve